Vancouver Family Law Blog

Child support payments have fallen due to the recession. A more surprising fall-out of the recession is that divorce rates have also dropped or, in some cases, like in Washington, at least held steady. The number of divorces in the United States fell from 3.6 per 1,000 in 2007 to 3.4 in 2009.

The reason, most likely, is that some couples who want to get divorced are putting it off because they fear the expenses associated with divorce. Among other factors, maintaining two households costs more than maintaining one. If that theory is correct -- that people who want to get divorced are waiting -- then there is now a pent-up demand for divorce, and we will be seeing more couples getting divorced as the economy starts to improve.

According to the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Heath and Human Services, the public will be able to help identify parents who are in contempt of child support payments.

Through a website, the federal office is asking for help to locate parents who are running from or are behind in paying child support obligations. On the site, people can browse photos of the men and women in question and submit information to help government authorities find them and hold them accountable for their lack of action.

Some couples believe their spouses are cheating on them if they are secretly using joint bank accounts to purchase unnecessary items or feed unhealthy habits. If financial infidelity is occurring, it may mean that divorce is on the horizon. These feelings of betrayal and outrage occur across the country, including in Washington.

When one spouse purchases items that are not in the budget and not within the couple's means, it can be an indicator of a financially unstable marriage. This can also be true if you are in a situation where you are the one making the purchases and don't think it's necessary to consult with your spouse first.

Divorce can be horrible. It creates a sudden change in your life, and you may lose the person you thought you were closest to. Many across the country, including in Washington, describe becoming a widow in similar terms. It's horrible and incomprehensible.

The process of reconstructing life following widowhood or divorce is dependent on factors such as the spouse's age, the support system in place, family involvement, financial situations, and whether the end of life or marriage was expected. If the nature of the relationship carries complexities prior to the spouse's death, including raising children, life reconstruction is a bigger challenge.